Metallosis From Stryker Hips

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Metallosis From Stryker Rejuvenate & ABG II Hip Implants

One of the most dangerous risks that are posed to patients that have one of the recalled Stryker hip implants is the chance of metallosis. Both the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II have been found to fret and corrode, causing small partials of metal to enter the patient’s body and possibly their bloodstream. This metal poisoning can cause permanent and severe injuries to the patient’s body, to the point of causing death.

What Is Metallosis?

Metallosis (also referred to as: metal poisoning, or heavy metal toxicity) is described as the build-up of metal partials in the soft tissue in the body. This metal build-up can cause the area to become inflamed and even infected. In metal hip implants such as those recalled by Stryker, metallosis can cause several complications, including:

Pain and swelling at the hip implant site

Infection

Loosening and failure of the hip implant

Hip dislocation

Necrosis

Metal toxicity

These complications can result in the patient needing the implant removed through a hip revision surgery. However, even after the implant is removed, the dangers of metal toxicity can still remain.

How Do Stryker Hip Implants Cause Metal Poisoning?

The reason that Stryker recalled their two metal hip implant devices was due to possible fretting and corroding of the metal components. When the metal parts run together, they can release small partials of metal, mainly chromium and cobalt, into the surrounding tissue. This can cause many of the symptoms of metallosis, made even more dangerous due to the extreme toxic effects that both of these metals pose to the human body.

Cobalt And Chromium Toxicity From Stryker Hips

Although both cobalt and chromium are found in small traces in many foods and even in water, they are still toxic in larger quantities. If these metals build-up in the body, they can cause severe metal poisoning that can negatively impact almost every system and organ in the body. Extreme cobalt and chromium toxicity can cause:

Renal failure

Cardiovascular problems, including cardiomyopathy and heart failure

Neurological disorders

Hypothyroidism

Blindness and deafness

Death

What is concerning is that even after undergoing hip revision surgery to remove a defective Stryker hip implant, the metals can still remain in the tissues and organs of the patient’s body. It can take months, even years, for the body to detoxify itself of these metals.

Legal Recourse Available To People With Elevated Metal Levels

For those who have a recalled Stryker implant, it is important to be aware of the possibility of metallosis and be tested for toxicity. Patients should be aware of possible signs of metallosis including headaches, dizziness, loss of eyesight, loss of hearing and other signs of cobalt or chromium poisoning. In addition, patients should see their doctor or surgeon if they begin to have pain, swelling or loss of function in their hip, which may be a sign that the hip is beginning to fret and release metal partials into the surrounding tissue.

There are already hundreds of lawsuits pending against Stryker for these defective hip implants. The compensation that these patients may receive can cover medical bills, therapy, pain or suffering and other injury expenses related to the hip implant, including treatment for metallosis.

Contact our office today for your free case evaluation. Our attorneys have the expertise in these type of cases to ensure that your questions are answered and your legal rights are protected to the fullest degree.

Learn more about the impact of metallosis in relation to Stryker hip implants via the links below:

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The Drug Law Center is sponsored by lawyers who represent individuals and families who have suffered a serious injury or death from a dangerous drug or medical device. While these medical inventions have been marketed to improve the quality of life for people, unsafe drugs and poorly designed medical devices can drastically reduce the quality of life for the individual and his or her family.